Eritrea is unique because of how she was conceived. As all nations that were under colonial rule were given their independence, Eritrea was not. The Italians were replaced by the British, who then passed it on to the Ethiopians. After all African nations were allowed the freedom to exist as however so they chose, Eritrea was subjected to continued brutal colonial rule. Independence was not one that was given to us, nor was it one that came at a small price. No, Eritrea came about due to the ultimate sacrifice her children paid. Every square inch of Eritrea is covered by the precious blood that was shed to set her free.

Since the 19th century Eritrea has endured a fair share of military wars under numerous forces of oppression for many decades. Each one of them has been inhumanly barbaric and heinous. Time has not healed many of the physical or emotional wounds sustained at Massawa after the successful Operation of “fenQl” that liberated it. It is even more painful to think of the abominable criminals who remain at large and are still protected.

I commemorate May 24th… to remember the cruel travesty which freedom conquered so that it is not repeated, to tell of the vicious travesty which freedom conquered so that it belongs to the next generation, and most of all to remember the precious and invaluable sacrifice by which freedom was realized.

Eritrea is a self-reliant, social justice oriented, hardworking conscious nation willing to pay the price to ensure independence. Eritrea is a proven country through and through. Eritrea is a nation that believes on equality. Eritrea possesses values that are selfless and incorruptible. Eritrea is patient and long-view oriented country unperturbed by the prevailing wind and able to weather storms and come out victorious against all odds.

ERITREA’S independence was not handed to us on a silver platter; we paid a high price to achieve it. Eritrea’s Independence Anniversary is a celebration of our identity, our cultures and traditions, our diversity in unity and most of all, to pay tribute to all those who sacrificed their lives and limb to liberate Eritrea, defend her sovereignty and are working tirelessly and selflessly to ensure her development.